Let’s Pray a Novena for CGS

 Categories

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Novena starts on April 14, 2018.

A Prayer of Discernment

The Novena is a prayer that has been used faithfully each spring since 2002. It was originally prayed in the discernment process, of beginning the atrium at Saint Michael Parish in Olympia, WA. Without planning it, the Novena ended on Good Shepherd Sunday— the 4th Sunday of Easter.

The 4th Sunday of Easter, actually the third Sunday after Easter, is know as Good Shepherd Sunday because in each year of the liturgical cycle on this 4th Sunday, the Gospel is always taken from the 10th chapter of John where Jesus speaks of himself as the “good shepherd”. The Good Shepherd is also the logo and symbol for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Since that time, the Novena has been offered each year for the needs of this ministry, always ending on Good Shepherd Sunday.

The Novena Represents Love

The novena represents a deep love of Jesus and the children serve through CGS. This novena has been shared with the Seattle Archdiocese. Archbishop Sartain has expressed his support of the CGS ministry.

[Print the Novena and fold it into a booklet]

Let’s Pray Together

Catechists at Saint Michael Parish, along with Formation Leader Joann Terranova and catechist from the entire Pacific Northwest region including Saint Patrick Catholic Church pray this Novena for new possibilities for growth in the mustard seed ministry of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

The Novena for the Ministry of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

St. Charles Borromeo and St. Robert Bellarmine,

We ask that you intercede for us on behalf of the work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in our community, region and around the world, to our God: The Father who is the vine dresser, Jesus our Good Shepherd and True Vine, and the Holy Spirit who is the sap flowing within us.

We are grateful for the work of Maria Montessori, Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti, who through careful observation of children have helped us to know more deeply the secret of childhood, and have enhanced our understanding of Jesus’ words, “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”

As the ministry of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd grows we ask for guidance and counsel in our work. We long to bring people of all ages closer to Jesus and to help them understand that God is right there with them in everyday events. We hold in prayer the preparation of atria, the formation of catechists, and the children and families this work seeks to serve. May more children and adults join this ministry, and experience a closer relationship with God.

Help us to be open to the answers that come and to see the path that God has laid before us. We place all our dreams, desires and longings into the hands of God who is our Redeemer.
Thank you for your intercessions St. Charles Borromeo and St. Robert Bellarmine.

Our Father (3 times) Hail Mary (3 times) Glory be (3 times)

Pick up a copy of the novena at Sunday Social Hour on April 15. Volunteers from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ministry are hosting.

Do you want serve in a ministry that serves children or vulnerable adults? Do you plan on chaperoning field trips or youth minsitry retreats? This training is for you!

As we enter our season of Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure, we wanted to openly share information regarding our stewardship and management of your very generous contributions to your faith community.